UPDATE: Former First Lady Barbara Bush was been taken to the hospital on Wednesday as a precaution. George H. W. Bush's wife, 91, has been admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital "as a precaution after experiencing fatigue and coughing," spokesman Jim McGrath said in an updated statement.
Meanwhile, her husband remains in intensive care for "an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia," a family spokesman said Thursday.
ORIGINAL STORY: George H. W. Bush was taken to hospital over the weekend after suffering from "shortness of breath". His spokesman Jim McGrath made the announcement on Twitter, revealing that Mr Bush is responding well to treatment at the Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas.
"@GeorgeHWBush was taken to @MethodistHosp Sat. for shortness of breath, has responded very well to treatments. Hope to have him out soon," the tweet read.
The former US President, who served a single term from 1989 to 1993, was already not expected to attend Donald Trump's inauguration on Friday due to health concerns.
© Photo: Getty ImagesGeorge H. W. Bush is "responding very well" to treatments
During an appearance on Kathie Lee and Hoda, Mr Bush's granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager expressed her appreciation for the amount of support the family has received. "How lucky for our whole family that we have people that think about us and pray for us," she said.
Jenna added of her beloved grandpa: "I adore him. He's the best. He's really one of the most humble wonderful men in the world."
Mr Bush, who has stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, has suffered bouts of illness. In 2015 he spent a week at a hospital in Maine after breaking and fracturing his neck during a family holiday in Kennebunkport town. The injury did not result in any neurological problems, his spokesman said at the time.
In 2014 Mr Bush was again rushed to hospital for shortness of breath, and two years prior that he was hospitalised for a bronchitis-related cough.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe former US President has to use a wheelchair to go around
The politician also suffers from Vascular Parkinsonism, a form of Parkinson's disease which means he has to make use of a wheelchair or scooter.
At 92 years old, Mr Bush is the oldest living former President. He served as Ronald Reagan's Vice President for eight years from 1981 to 1989 before coming to office as President.
